A Conversation for Pen Names
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Potholer Started conversation Mar 7, 2000
You legally need to use another name as an actor because your name is already in use - I don't think Equity allows two actors to use the same name.
You happen to share a name with a celebrity, and want to avoid being pestered by mistake, or you share a name with a mass murderer.
You're called John Smith or some other fairly common name, and there are already too many people you may be confused with if you need a name to use professionally.
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Jimi X Posted Mar 7, 2000
The actor Michael Keaton changed his name from Michael Douglas to keep from being mistaken for the other Michael Douglas who was already famous when Keaton arrived in Hollywood. 
- X
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Shallow 15 Posted Mar 8, 2000
And then of course, there's always the possibility that you have a multiple personality disorder and the other one (or more) of you can't stand using your name.
--Erin M.
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manolan Posted Mar 8, 2000
Or you're a serious author and have written a really trashy novel.
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Bez (arguaby the finest figure of a man ever found wearing Bez's underwear) <underpants> Posted Jan 21, 2003
Or you don't think people will take you seriously as a wrestler when your called Dwight (The Rock).
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